[Buzzard]

I put in Ethanol free 89 Octane and noticed this past weekend a spark knock under load going up hill. The manual says 89 is good enough, any issues with anyone else ? It’s still under 20 hours, maybe a valve lash adjustment needed ? Thoughts anyone ?

[NMKawierider]

I usually play it by the weather. In the hot summer the engine is sucking-in much hotter air then in winter to start with making the combustion chamber temperatures higher, so the fuel charge burns quicker. That's when I up the octane to 91..to help slow that down. But in the cold winter when it's sucking-in cold air, the combustion chamber temps are lower so I drop the octane to as much as 87 at times. Also helps with cold starts. So, if it's hot where you ride...and the engine also gets pretty warm, consider going up on the octane. CFM makes these things run almost too lean as is anyway so it won't hurt.

[doug80638]

I just read the service manual for the 1000 and it states RQ-92 octane fuel (same as my Z800). That's 87 octane in the states. I don't think valve lash is related to knocking. I would check the spark plug gap first and make sure the plug wires are snapped on tightly.

I run 87 hot or cold without any issues.

I wish we could get ethanol free fuel  around here.

[Buzzard]

Thanks guys, gonna up the octane to 91 or better. I was ridin in 95 degree temps and for at least 4 hours when I noticed, so I’m sure the motor was good and hot. Just a little cautious about her being so new and possibly breakin her in a little too hard. Thinking about when I take it in for its first service having them check out the valve train for kicks and giggles.

[NMKawierider]

I'm a big advocate of at least checking the valve lash a couple of times during break-in. Mine at 200 miles, all except one were already at the loose limits and the one that wasn't was tight meaning either a soft seat or a mis-adjustment at the factory. I also found a roller that wasn't turning. Don't need these things turning into bigger problems later.  Nothing wrong with knowing your engine. Checked it again at 400 miles and although it didn't really need it, I set all anyway. One more check at 600 and all were where I left them at 400 so that was the last time. I'm at 1200 now..and all's quiet and smooth.

[Buzzard]

Thanks a bunch NMK, great info. I appreciate your knowledge.

[Buzzard]

I ran the 1000 out of the 89 octane and filled it with 93 octane. 2 hours in on ridin this weekend and the knock is gone ! Found a Shell gas station close to our church and got it for $3.09 a gallon. Needless to say that’s all she will be drinking from now on 😎

[NMKawierider]

I ran the 1000 out of the 89 octane and filled it with 93 octane. 2 hours in on ridin this weekend and the knock is gone ! Found a Shell gas station close to our church and got it for $3.09 a gallon. Needless to say that’s all she will be drinking from now on 😎

Good. Wow..you have 93...the highest we have is 91. I've never had any pre-iginition or pinging with it so maybe that's all you need as well. 

[Buzzard]

Yes, Shell 93 non ethanol. I could probably get away with 91 but this is convenient and so far the Moto likes it.